The Israeli action occurred as a Syrian delegation engaged in a new round of negotiations with Israeli representatives in Paris, under the auspices of the United States, according to the Syrian state news agency SANA. The talks, which began Monday, were expected to conclude Tuesday.
SANA quoted a government source on Monday stating that the resumption of negotiations demonstrated Syria's firm dedication to reclaiming its "non-negotiable national rights." The specific rights were not detailed in the report.
Since the decline of Bashar al-Assad's government, Israel has expanded its presence beyond the Golan Heights, territory it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed in a move not recognized by most of the international community. Israel has also conducted frequent raids and bombardments in southern Syria, citing security concerns related to the presence of Iranian-backed militias and other groups it considers hostile.
The Quneitra region holds significant strategic importance, bordering the Golan Heights and serving as a buffer zone between Syria and Israel. The United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) has maintained a presence in the area since 1974, tasked with monitoring the ceasefire agreement between the two countries. However, the ongoing Syrian civil war and the increased involvement of various regional and international actors have complicated the situation, leading to frequent violations of the ceasefire.
Israel views its actions in Syria as necessary to prevent the entrenchment of Iranian influence and to disrupt the transfer of advanced weaponry to Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shia political party and militant group. Syria and its allies, including Iran, condemn Israel's military activities as violations of Syrian sovereignty and international law.
The United Nations has repeatedly called for de-escalation and respect for Syria's territorial integrity. The international community remains divided on the Syrian conflict, with various countries supporting different sides in the conflict. The ongoing negotiations in Paris represent a potential avenue for dialogue, but significant obstacles remain in achieving a lasting resolution to the complex issues at stake. The outcome of the talks and the future of Israeli military activity in southern Syria remain uncertain.
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